TWO of York council’s biggest characters are taking up a six-month challenge against each other in a bid to shake off their “political heavyweights” label.

Councillors Dafydd Williams and James Alexander will both be battling to lose weight over the coming months and are also hoping to raise money for York’s Special Care Baby Unit.

Coun Williams started the weight loss challenge, and decided to use his and his colleague’s fighting spirit to give his motivation a boost.

He said: “My wife said it would be good if I could lose weight by using my strength in competition. I thought, ‘who is the most competitive person I know?’ And the answer came easily, ‘James Alexander.’

“This is all a bit of fun for a good cause. The Special Care Baby Unit is important to both our families.”

The dieter who has shed the biggest percentage of his body weight by July 1 this year will be the winner.

The pair have also launched a website to update supporters on their progress at politicalheavyweights.co.uk

Donations can also be made by texting the code FLAB97 followed by amount (eg £5) to 70070.